What’s on: Territorians in for an easy, breezy weekend of fun

Are you still searching for something to do this weekend in Darwin? You’re in luck. Find out what’s on.

Inside the bar at Fin & Tonic Darwin. Picture: Kate Dinning

This morning (Saturday) join a free yoga class at the Waterfront Lawns to kick your weekend off right.

Then - if you’re a Parap Markets regular like me – absolutely make that stop in.

However, if you’re looking for a taste of something new – the cafe I told you about a couple of weeks ago opened this week.

Between 9am and 4pm from Monday to Saturday, you can check out Makan Stop: A new venue from the friendly legends behind Kopi Stop, it’s the same great coffee and a brand-new menu.

Makan Stop, Darwin. Picture: Kate Dinning

The Nasi Lemak (think coconut rice, house made sambal) and the Roti Prata (flaky pancake) sound like the dishes to try to me.

You’ll find it under the Darwin City Hotel on Smith Street.

Luckily, getting outdoors without having to go too far is easy this weekend – there’s a whole selection of outdoor arts, music, culture & food taking over the Nightcliff Foreshore for the Nightcliff Seabreeze Festival.

Cullen Bay sunset view from Fin & Tonic. Picture: Kate Dinning

There will be activations, food, local bars, and various stages all the way from the Jetty around to Rapid Creek – and the program is so packed that it’s near impossible to recommend specific things.

My advice is to pick a time that you’re free (or multiple – it goes for three days) and go for a wander along the foreshore path, and see what you find – it’s more fun that way.

If you’re ready for even more Saturday night action, jump online and get your tickets for the Rodeo at the Showgrounds – or the AFL match, Gold Coast vs North Melbourne, at TIO tonight.

There’s plenty of breakfast and brunch deals for Mother’s Day on Sunday – you can book in for Mother’s Day Brunch at the Darwin Sailing Club, Bottomless Long Lunch at Charlie’s of Darwin or a special four course lunch at il Piatto inside Mindil Beach Casino Resort – with the option for bottomless beverages available.

I love a good Sunday roadtrip, and you probably saw the news that you can now swim at Berry Springs again – so if a swim is on the agenda, hit the road early.

Seabreeze festival 2023 at Nightcliff, NT. Picture: Kate Dinning

You can either book in for lunch at the Darwin River Tavern, which is just a bit further down the road, or at the Berry Springs Tavern which is always good vibes on a Sunday.

If you’ve got visitors, make a day of it and head to the Territory Wildlife Park, or to Barramundi Adventures for a guaranteed (and obligatory, really?) fish photo.

Speaking of fish, it’s time to try the new fish and chip shop in town.

Pop into Fin & Tonic for the best sunset seat in the house.

If you want to enjoy all the local beers they’ve got on tap, park yourself up on the stools against the fence – or bring a picnic blanket, order from the takeaway window and head down to the grass.

There will be free live music on the Foreshore lawns at Cullen Bay on Sunday.

And if you’re planning ahead?

Strap yourselves in – on Wednesday next week you can join in the free CBD BASSINTHECITY event on Austin Lane, featuring live music, live street art painting, market stalls and food.

On Thursday, the Rogue Traders are playing at Mayberry, The Melbourne International Comedy Festival Roadshow is on at the Entertainment Centre, and The GC Suns play the Cats at TIO.

Then on Saturday BASSINTHEGRASS is on, and the Darwin Street Art Festival starts. See you there!